A trigger is anything—an event, a memory, a sound, a sensation—that activates a strong emotional or physiological response. Triggers don’t always come from major trauma; they can be shaped by past experiences, chronic stress, or even patterns from childhood that taught us what is “safe” and what isn’t.

Our brains don’t differentiate between past and present threats as well as we’d like them to. A trigger can make your nervous system react as if you are in real danger, even if you are perfectly safe in the moment.

We can't eliminate all of our triggers but we can learn how to be with them. Listen to find out more. 

Grief is never just about the loss itself—it carries ripple effects that touch every part of our lives. In this episode, I'll explore secondary losses, the often-overlooked layers of grief that arise after losing a beloved pet or person. From changes in daily routines to shifts in identity and community, I will break down how these losses manifest and how to navigate them with compassion. Tune in for insights on recognizing, honoring, and healing with self-care, so you can carry both love and loss forward in a meaningful way.

If there's one thing I love, it's a great metaphor. Life has a way of knocking us on our butts sometimes. In this episode, I'm diving into what it really means to “get back on the horse” after a setback(or in my case, a real actual fall off a horse!) So dust yourself off, take a deep breath, listen in and let’s ride again!

Mel Robbin's book The Let Them Theory is quite popular right now. But did you know it's based on a poem by Cassie Phillips called "Just Let Them"? This poem gives us the power and understanding of what it means to release control over trying to control other people and instead comprehend our own worthiness that is never in the hands of others. 

It's not too late to set your course for the year! Matter of fact, you could do this at any time throughout the year, not just in the beginning. But setting intentions for the year is just like plugging in a destination in your GPS, it sets the course. 

Here are the questions:

1. What’s the one word or phrase I want to define my life in 2025, and why does it resonate with me right now? (E.g., Freedom, Growth, Boldness)
2. What part of my life feels most aligned with who I truly am, and how can I build on that in the coming year?
3. Where am I playing small, and how can I step into my full potential with courage and confidence in 2025?
4. What’s one area of my life I’ve been avoiding or neglecting, and what small, intentional action will I take to change that?
5. What wild, audacious dream excites me but also scares me, and how will I take the first step toward it this year?
6. How do I want to show up for myself daily—mentally, physically, emotionally—and what rituals or habits will support that?
7. Who inspires me, and what qualities or actions of theirs can I embody to create a life I’m proud of?
8. What’s one area of my life where I need to let go—whether it’s control, fear, resentment, or old expectations—to move forward freely?
9. What’s a risk I can take this year that could lead to incredible growth, even if the outcome isn’t guaranteed?
10. If I were to fast forward to the end of 2025, what three moments would make me say, “This was my best year yet”?

Natural death is an interesting process. The body knows how to do it but that doesn't mean it's easy to watch. With animals we often don't get to see the dying process because we often opt to relieve suffering and provide a "good death" via euthanasia. Witnessing my father in the dying process really got me to think about the contrast between how animals die and how humans do. And I started to wonder about some unintended consequences that can result when we are used to relieving suffering.  In this episode I mention the "blue pamphlet" that hospice workers reference and recommend to family members of dying patients. It's called "Gone From My Sight: The Dying Experience" and if you or someone you know has a loved one that's dying, it might be very helpful. You can get it here. 

This is it. The final episode of 2024 which means it's time to end the year with intention, let go of anything no longer serving you that you don't want to bring into 2025 and realign with your purpose of serving animals. 

It's time for our annual reflection! I love the opportunity to look back and unpack the year. Chances are your 2024 was filled with joys and disappointments. Today we'll focus on more of the joys. I want to encourage you to journal on these 10 questions.  1. What goals did I accomplish this year? 2. How did I step outside of my comfort zone this year and what did I learn from it? 3. What moments will I cherish forever? 4. Were there any relationships I chose to let go of and why? 5. What practices or habits brought me the most peace and joy? 6. How did I strenghten my relationships with loved ones this year? 7. Who were the people who uplifted and inspired me the most this year? 8. How did I overcome fear and doubt this year? 9. What was the boldest decision I made this year and what was the outcome? 10. What is the one bold vision I have for myself in the coming year?

The holiday season can be a challenging time for those navigating grief and loss. In this episode, we explore the unique ways the holidays can amplify feelings of longing and sadness, whether you're mourning a loved one, a cherished pet, or experiencing a significant life transition.

Ever hear something that pierces right to your soul? Well that's what happened when I recently heard this concept of "forgive the present moment". Perhaps it's because it's just what I needed in that moment and I thought maybe you might need it too. 

Episode 300 just happens to fall on American Thanksgiving. Coincidence? I think not. I have a very important message for you today. Not just for Thanksgiving but for the entire holiday season and one that can glide you right into 2025 too. Don't miss this one!!!